Recently the Supreme Court of India directed the government of Rajasthan and the Union government to take comprehensive measures to identify, protect, and manage sacred groves across India.

• The Supreme Court also lauded the Piplantri village in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district.

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About Sacred Groves

• UNESCO Definition: Sacred groves are areas of “natural” vegetation preserved through local taboos and sanctions with spiritual and ecological values (UNESCO, 1996).
• Ecological Significance: These groves support traditional associations with wildlife and landscapes like streams, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
• Cultural Significance: Sacred groves are revered for their connection to the divine and symbolize a deep human-nature relationship rooted in cultural traditions.
• Community Involvement: Local communities maintain sacred groves through strict taboos and customary laws.
• Key Features
• • Represent natural or near-natural ecosystems.
  • Serve as repositories for rare, endangered, and indigenous species of flora and fauna.

Sacred Groves of  India

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Legal Protection of Sacred Groves in India

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Enables the declaration of sacred groves as community reserves, safeguarding them legally.
• Forest Rights Act, 2006: Recognizes the rights of tribal and traditional forest-dwelling communities to protect and manage forest resources.
• National Forest Policy, 1988: Encourages community involvement in the preservation and sustainable management of forest ecosystems.
• Supreme Court Judgments: Landmark rulings such as the TN Godavarman case and the recent Rajasthan sacred grove judgment reinforce legal safeguards.